The tradition of sprinkling cinnamon is said to be hundreds of years old, dating back to when spice traders traveled from one city to another. Since they didn’t have time for love, mostly men, but also women, would get married late or stay single…

The world is full of interesting traditions and rituals, and one of the more unusual ones can be found in Denmark. An interesting experience for your 25th birthday, if you are single. Tradition dictates that the birthday person be sprinkled with cinnamon from head to toe, and sometimes eggs or plain water are used to make the fragrant spice adhere as well as possible. And that’s not all, to make the situation more exciting, sometimes pepper is added to cinnamon.

Often the celebrants are tied to street lamps, a bench or a chair, but they can also stand in a cloud of cinnamon while their company has a great time. And no, it is not a “punishment” from friends and family for the fact that the birthday boy is still not married, but another opportunity for fun and playful jokes.

The tradition of sprinkling cinnamon is said to be hundreds of years old, dating back to when spice traders traveled from one city to another. As they had no time for love, mostly men, but also women, would marry late or stay alone.

In Denmark being unmarried on your 25th birthday gives people social license to pelt you with cinnamon. pic.twitter.com/rpeheQvOXi

— Sabrine (@DasSabrine) May 19, 2017